Electric permutation-switch mechanism.



O. D. BOWERS.

ELECTRIC PERMUTATION SWITCH MECHANISM.

APPLlCATlON FILED MAY 20. I915.

Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

Q3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

l I! III Inlm Wlllllillllll 0. .D. flowers Inventor Attorneys Witnesses f\ l I %M 0. D. BOWERS.

ELECTRIC PERMUTATION SWITCH MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 20. 1915.

Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

0. D. BOWERS.

ELECTRIC PERMUTATION SWITCH MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAYZO. I915.

Inventor Attorneys Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3 0.3. flowers Witness as OTHO D. BOWERS, 0F A RCANUM, OHIO.

ELECTRIC PERMUTATION-SWITCH MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented'Oct. 26, 1915.

Application filed May 20, 1915. Serial No. 29,397.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Orrro D. BOWERS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Arcanum, in the county of Darke and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Electric Permutation-Switch Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to a switch mechanism adapted particularly for use on motor vehicles, and operable in a peculiar manner to permit the circuits through the spark coil, electric starter, lights, and other electrical devices to be opened and closed, the mechanism being such that a predetermined operation of the mechanism is necessary to enable the circuits to be closed,

whereby it is impossible for one not possessed of the combination to close the circuits for operating the car or tampering therewith to waste the electrical energy or accomplish other damage.

It is the object of the invention to provide an electrical permutation switch mechanism for use on motor vehicles and elsewhere, comprising a novel and improved assemblage and combination of the component parts, whereby when the operable parts are disarranged, it is impossible for one not familiar with the combination, to control the electrical circuits, although a person familiar with the combination may readily set the mechanism in order that the circuits may be closed and opened at will.

It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a switch mechanism of the nature indicated which is improved generally in its details, to enhance the utility thereof.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides'in the com bination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed can be made within the scope of. what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein 4 F igure 1 is a diagrammatical view of the electrical system of an automobile or motor vehicle including the improvements. Fig. 2 is a front view of the switch mechanism. Fig. his a front view of the switch mechanism with the front plate removed. Fig. 4 1s a perspective view of one of the devices for operating one of the switch arms or blades. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the tumbler disk carrying the said switch arm or blade. Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4. of the other device for operating another switch arm or blade. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the tumbler disk cotiperable with the last mentioned device. Fig. 8 is a rear or inside view of the front plate of the switch mechanism. Fig. 9 is a vertical section taken on the line 99 of Fig. 2. Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken on the line 10-1O of Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the key for operating the main switch.

In carrying out the invention, the switch mechanism embodies a case 1 of suitable material, which may be supported upon the dash or other suitable part of the motor car. This case 1 incloses a permutation switch 2 and the main switch 3. The permutation switch 2 embodies three rings or annular supporting members 4:, 5 and 6 of iiber or'other insulating material which are spaced apart and parallel with one another. The rings 4, 5 and 6 are supported by bolts or securing elements 7 engaged therethrough and through the back of the case 1. The ring 4 carries an annular series of contacts 8, the ring 5carries an annular series of contacts 9, and the ring 6 carries an annular series of contacts 10. lhe ring 4 has a single contact 11 disposed adjacent and cooperating with one of the contacts 8, and the ring 5 has a single contact 12 arranged adjacent and cooperable with one or" the contacts 9, while the ring 6 has a single contact 13 arranged adjacent and cooperating with one of the contacts 10. o

A shaft 14: is journaled through the front plate and back of the case 1 centrally of: the rings 4, 5 and 6, and is provided upon it forward or outer end with a knob 15 whereby said shaft may be conveniently rotated. -'.lhe forward end of the shaft also has a pointer 16 cotiperating with a suitable dial 1? provided upon the outer side of the front plate of the case, whereby the shaft 14 may be set properly to follow out the combination.

A switch arm or blade. 18 is rigidly carried by the shaft 14: and cooperates with and bears against the contacts 8. A second switch arm or blade 19 is carried by a switch arms 19 and 20 with the shaft 14,

which is mounted loosely upon the shaft 14, and the switch arm 21 is arranged to en-' gage the contacts 10.

Devices are employed for moving the under certain conditions, and to this end a disk 23 is keyed or secured rigidly upon the shaft 14 adjacent the tumbler disk 20, and has a spring pressed pawl or dog 24 pivoted to that side thereof adjacent the disk 20.

a The pawl 24 has an outstanding pin 25 which is engageable with an arcuate strip 26 secured to that side of the disk 20 ad jacent the disk 23. One end of the strip 26 is blunt, as at 27, while the other end of the strip 26 is cut obliquely, as at 28, to provide a cam or deflecting portion. lVhen the shaft 14 is rotated in such adirection that the pin 25 of the pawl 24 moves toward and against the end 28 of the strip 26, said end of the strip will direct the pin '25 inwardly so that it slides along the inner edge of the strip 26 without moving the disk 20, the pawl 24 being spring pressed so that the pin 25 is swung between the ends of the strip 26 when the disks 20 and 23 are rotated relative to one another. When the disk 23 is rotated in the opposite direction so that the pin 25 strikes the end 27 of the strip 26, the disk 20 will be rotated with the d sk 23. In this manner, the disks 20 and 23 are provided with coiiperable means, whereby when the disk 23 is rotated in one direction, the disk 20 will not be moved, whereas if the disk 23 is moved in the opposite direction, the disk 20 will be moved therewith. 'A similar means is employed for operating the disk 22 but the means for operating the disk 22 is reversed, that is, the disk 20 is adapted to be rotated with the shaft 14 when the shaft is rotated in one direction, while the disk 22 is arranged to be rotated with the shaft when the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction. A disk 29 is keyed or secured rigidly upon the shaft 14 adjacent the tumbler disk 22, and a spring pressed pawl or dog 30 is pivoted to that side of the disk 29 adj acent the disk 22. The pawl 30 has an outstanding pin 31 for engaging an arcuate strip 32 secured to that side of the disk 22 adjacent the disk 29, and one end of the strip 32 is blunt, as at 33, while the other end is cut obliquely, as at 34, to provide a cam or deflecting portion. The disk 32 and pawl 30 are arranged in the reverse position with respect to the strip 26 and pawl 24, to the ends above noted, the pin 31 being directed inwardly by the end 34 of the strip 32, when the disk 29 is rotated in one directrical circuits of the electrical systemem-';

bodies a base 35 of fiber or insulating material secured to the back of the case L AK hub 36 is journaled to or rotatably carried by the base 35 in any suitable. manner and has a square or non circular bore or socket 37 A diametrical switch blade 38 is carried I by the hub 36, and insulated arcuate switch blades 39 and 40 are carried by the ends of the blade 38. Contacts 41, 42, 43 and 44 are carried by the base 35 for the engagement of the blade 38, and contacts 49; 50, 51 and 52 are carried by the base 35 for the engage ment of the blade 40, while contacts 45, 46,

47 and 48 are carried by said base for the engagement of the blade 39. The ends of the blades 39 and 40 are engageable with the respective contacts.

A rotatable sleeve 53 is journaled through the front plate of the case 1 in alinement with the hub 36 of the switch 3, and is provided with a square or non-circularbore 54.'

A. pointer 55 is carried by the forward protruding end of the sleeve 53 and cotiperating with an arcuate scale 56 provided upon the outer side of the front plate of the case for indicating the positions of the switch 3.

The hub 36 of the switch 3 and the sleeve 53 are spaced apart, and a key 57 is .arranged to be inserted through the sleeve 53 to engage the hub 36, whereby the switch 3 may be operated. This key 57 embodies a shank or spindle 58 of square or non-circular cross section, having a knob 59 at one end. The shank 58 being inserted through the sleeve 53 and into the hub 36 will cause the said sleeve and hub to rotate simultane ously, whereby when the knob 59 is turned for operating the switch 3, the pointer 55 will be swung to properly indicate upon the scale 56, the position of the switch 3. When the key 57 is withdrawn, the switch 3 cannot be operated from the exterior of 'the case 1, it being understood that the case 1 is suitably sealed for preventing an unauthorized or maliciously inclined person from tampering with the parts housed therein.

A solenoid 60 is carried by the front plate of the case 1' upon the inner side thereof, and the core 61 of the solenoid, which is movable vertically, carries a shutter 62 of hard metal, whereby the shutter 62 cannot be readily drilled through. When the solenoid 60 is deenergized, the weight of the core 61 and shutter 62 enables the shutter to drop between the hub 36 of the switch 3 and the sleeve 53, 'to prevent the insertion of a key orimplement for operating the switch 3. The shutter 62 is movable through suitable guides 63 carried by the front plate of the case to prevent the shutter from being dislodged. The solenoid is above the hub 36 and sleeve 53.

As a means for normally supporting the shutter 62 in retracted position, and for closing the circuit through the solenoid 60, a spindle 64 is journaled through the front plate of the case, and is provided upon its forward end with a knob 65, and upon its inner end with a lever 66 coiiperable with the shutter 62 and also acting as a switch for engaging a contact 67 carried by the front plate. A detent68 is pivoted to the lever 66 to coiiperate with the shutter 62, the adjacent portions of the detent 68 and lever 66 having operable means 69 for limiting the downward movement of the detent 68 with respect to the lever 66, but allowing the detent 68 to swing-upwardly. The detent 68 normally seats upon a stop 70 carried by the front plate, and the edge of the shutter 62 adjacent the lever 66 is provided with a notch 71 for receiving the detent 68. lVhen the shutter 62 is raised by the energization of the solenoid 60, the detent 68 will drop into the notch 71, and since the detent 68 normally rests upon the stop 70, the shutter 62 will be held in raised or retracted position, as seen in Figs. 1 and 8. Byswingingthe spindle 65 properly to raise the detent 68, the detent may be disengaged from the notch 71, which allows the shutter 62 to drop into projected position between the hub 36 and sleeve 53, and the spindle 64 may then be swung in the opposite direction to swing the lever or switch 66 into engagement with the contact 67, the detent 68 in the meantime bearing against the shutter 62 above the notch 71 whereby the detent 68 will drop into the notch as soon as the shutter is raised.

Coming to the electrical wiring, the pole of the storage battery 72 is connected by a conductor 7 3 with the contact 8 which is arranged adjacent the contact 11, and the contact 11 is connected by means of a con ductor 74 with the contact 12. The contact 9 which is arranged adjacent the contact 12 is connected by means of a conductor 7 5 with the contact 10 which is arranged adjacent the contact 13, and the contact 13 is connected by means of a conductor 76 with the spindle 64 of the lever 66. The contact 67 is connected by means of a conductor 77 to one terminal of the solenoid 60, and the other terminal of the solenoid is connected by means of a conductor 78 to the pole of the battery or source of energy 72.

The pole of the battery 72 is connected by a conductor 79 to the contacts 46, 45, 41, 49 and 50 of the switch 3. The contacts 47 and 48 are connected by a conductor 80 to a switch 81 which cotiperates with a contact 82, and the contact 82 is connected by a conductor 83 with one terminal of the motor 84 of a starting device for the engine (not shown). The other terminal of the motor 84 is connected by a conductor 85 to the pole of the battery 72. The contacts 51 and 52 are connected by a conductor 86 to a contact 87 with which a switch 88 is cotiperable and the switch 88 is connected by a conductor 89 to the vehic'le lamps 90 in multiple. The other terminalsof the lamps 90 are connected in multiple by a conductor 91 to the pole of the battery 72-. The contact 42 is connected by a conductor 92 to one terminal of the mag neto 93, and the other terminal of the magneto is connected-through the spark coil 94 to a conductor 95 which is connected to the contact 43 opposite the contact 42. The contact 44 which is opposite the contact 41 is connected by a conductor 96 through the spark coil 94 to a conductor 98 coiinected to the conductor 91.

The present appliance also preferably includes means for locking the hood of the engine in place, whereby the hood may be held closed, to prevent any one not familiar with the combination, from opening the hood to tamper with the carbureter or any of the other delicate parts inclosed by the hood. To this end, the contact 67 is connected by a conductor 99 to one terminal of a solenoid 100 forming a part of the hood locking device 101. The other terminal of the solenoid 100 is connected by a conductor 102 to the pole of the battery 72. The solenoid 100 is carried by a suitable bracket 103 carried by the frame of the vehicle, and the Core 104 of the solenoid 100 which forms a lock bolt, is slidable through a guide 105 carried by the bracket 103. A spring 106 is disposed between the guide 105 and the core or look bolt 104 tending to project the core or lock bolt 104 through a keeper 107 carried by the hood 108. It is preferable to employ one of the devices 101 at each side of the hood, for holding both sides of the hood down upon the frame or chassis, it being evident that the solenoids 100 of the two devices may be readily connected in series or in multiple, between the conductors 99 and 102.

During the use of the machine, the switch arms 18, 19 and 21 are in engagement with the respective contacts 811, 912, and 10-13 whereby the conductors 73, 74, 75 and 76 are electrically connected. The locking device 101 may be released from the hood 108, by swinging the spindle 64' to bring the lever or switch 66 into engagement with the contact 67 which will close thecircuit through the solenoid 100, since current can flow from the battery 72 through the conductor 73, switch arm 18,

conductor 74, switch arm 19, conductor 75, I

switch arm 21, conductor 76, switch lever 66, conductor 89, solenoid 100 and conductor 102 back to the battery. The solenoid 100 being energized will draw the core or lock bolt 104 therein to retract the core from the keeper 107, which will allow the hood 108 to be opened or raised, it being noted that in order to unlock the hood, it is necessary for' the permutation switch 2 to be set properly. The shutter 62 is normally raised and held in raised position by the detent 68, so that the key 57 may be readily inserted through the sleeve 53 for operating the switch 3. When the blade 38 is swung clockwise, as seen in Fig. 1, so that it engages the contacts 41 and 44, the spark coil 94'will be connected with the battery 72. Thus, current may flow from the battery 72 through the conductor 79, contact 41, switch blade 38, contact-44, conductor'96, spark coil 94, conductor 98 and conductor 91 back to the battery. When the blade 38 is swung into engagement with the contacts 41 and 44, the ends of theblade 39 will engage the contacts 46 and 48, and the ends of the blade 40 will engage the contacts 49 and 51. This will enable motor 84 of the starter to be operated, and will enable the lamps 90 to be lighted. Thus, by closingthe switch 81, current may flow from the battery 72 through the conductor 79, contact 46, switch blade 39, contact 48, conductor 80, switch 81, contact 82, conductor 83, motor 84, and conductor 85 back to the battery 72. This will enable the motor 84 to be operated for starting the engine. By closing the switch 88, current may flow from the battery 72 through the conductor 79, contact 49, switch blade 40, contact 51, conductor 86, contact 87, switch 88, conductor 89, lamps 90, and conductor 91 back to the battery. When the switch blade 38 is swung into engagement with the contacts 42 and 43, the spark coil 94 will be connected with the magneto 93, since current may flow from the magneto 93 through the conductor 94, spark coil 95, conductor 96, contact 43, switch blade 38, contact 42 and conductor 92 back to the magneto 93. When the blade 38 is swung into engagement with the contacts 42 and 43, the ends of the blade 39 will engage the contacts 45 and 47 and the ends of the blade 40 will engage the contacts 50 and 52. Since the contacts 45-46, 4748, 49-50 and 5152 are connected in multiple to the respective conductors, the circuits through the motor 84 and lamps 90 will be closed by the switches 81 and 88, respectively, in the manner above indicated.

When the operator leaves the vehicle, and desires to prevent the same from being started or operated, the switch 3 is first brought to neutral or off position, as seen in Fig.

1. The ends of the blade 39 will then stand between the respective contacts 45-46 and 4748, which will open the circuit through the motor 84 of the starter, and the blade 38 being disposed between'the contacts 41, 42, 43 and 44 will also open the circuits through the magneto and battery. The ends of the blade 40'will be disposed between the respective contacts 4 950 and 51-52 to open the circuit through the lamps 90. The key 57 is then withdrawn and may be placed in the pocket of the operator. The shaft 14 of the permutation switch 2 is next rotated to swing the .switch arms 18, 19 and 21 to disarranged position, whereby the circuit through the switch 2 will be opened. The spindle 64 is then rocked so as to raise the detent 68 until the detent 68 is removed from the notch 71 of the shutter 62, in which event the shutter 62 will drop between the hub 36 of the switch 3 and the sleeve 53. This will prevent the insertion of an implement into the switch mechanism for purpose of operating the switch 3, and consequently the main or controlling switch 3 cannot be tampered with for closing any of the circuits. The operator is thus assured that the car will not be stolen, since it cannot be operated when the circuits are opened, and furthermore, the hood 108 being locked down, cannot be opened or removed for purpose of vtampering with the carbureter,.mag'neto, or other parts housed by the hood. Now, when the operator again Wishes to use the motor vehicle, a predetermined series of operations is necessary be fore the switch 3 can be operated. The shaft 14 is first rotated by means of the knob 16 to bring the switch arm 21 to upright position, and the shaft is then rotated in the opposite direction to'bring the switch arm 19 to upright position, and finally the switch arm 18 is-swung with the shaft 14 to upright position. The combination may now be followed out, the shaft 14 beingfirst rotated in the proper direction and the proper amount to bring the switch arm 21 into engagement with the contact 13 and adjacent contact-10, as seen in Fig. 1. The shaft 14 is then rotated in the opposite direction the proper amount to bring the switch arm 19 into engagement with the contact 12 and adjacent contact 9. The shaft 14 is then turned backward to bring the switch arm 18 into engagement with the contact 11 adjacent the contact 8. This will close' the circuit through the permutation switch 2 in order that the circuit through the solenoid 60 may be closed. This is accomplished by swinging the spindle 64 to swing the switch lever 66 into engagement with the contact 67, and-current may then flow from the battery 72through the conductor 73, switch arm 18, conductor 74, switch arm 19, conductor 75, switch arm 21, conductor 76, switch lever 66, contact 67,

conductor 77, solenoid 60, and conductor 78 back to the battery. The solenoid being energized will draw the core 61 upwardly therein for raising the shutter 62 which will be held in raised position bythe engagement of the detent 68 in the notch 71. The key 57 may then be inserted through the sleeve 53 into the hub 36 of the switch 3 for operating said switch.

From the foregoing, takenin connection with the drawings, it is evident that when. the combination is broken or destroyed, it is practically impossible for any one not familiar withthe combination to operate the switch 3. The present appliance therefore provides an effective safe guard against the malicious or unwarranted use of the machine. The other advantages and attributes of the invention are thought to be obvious from the foregoing, without f ther comment being necessary.

t is obvious that the main switch 3 may be left at any position desired, when the key .57 is withdrawn, for locking the switch, and this allows the switch 3 to remain at such position, that the lights 90 may be lighted during darkness, as will be obvious, it is thought.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In an appliance of the character described, a main switch, means operable for preventing said switch from being operated, and an electrical circuit including an electrically operated device for operating said means to render the switch operable, and a permutation switch for closing said circuit.

2. In an appliance of the character described, a controlling device, a shutter for preventing access being had thereto, and an electrical circuit including a source of electrical energy, an electrically operated device for operating said shutter to permit access to be had to the controlling device, and a permutation switch.

3. In an appliance of the character described, a switch having a hub, a rotatable sleeve for indicating the position of the switch, the switch and hub being spaced apart and in alinement, a key insertible through said sleeve and engageable with said hub for rotating the hub and sleeve, a shutter movable'between the sleeve and hub to prevent the insertion of the key for rotating the hub, and an electrical circuit including a source of energy, a permutation switch, and an electrically operated device for retracting the shutter from between the said sleeve and hub.

4. In an appliance of the character described, a controlling device, a shutter projectable to a position for preventing access being had to the controlling device, an electrical circuit includinga source of electrical energy, a permutation switch, and an electrically operated device for retracting the shutter, and manually operable means for holding the shutter in retracted position and including a switch for opening and closing said circuit.

5. In an appliance of the character described, a controlling device, a movable shutter adapted to be projected to a position for preventing accessbeing had to the con trolling device, and an electrical circuit including a source of electrical energy, a permutation switch, a manually operable switch, and an electrically operated-device for retracting the shutter, said manually operable switch carrying a detent coiiperable with said shutter for normally holding the shutter in retracted position and whereby the shutter may be released to be projected.

6. In. an appliance of the character described, a main switch having a hub, a rotatable sleeve spaced from and in alinement with said hub and adapted to indicate the position of the switch, a key insertible through said sleeve and engageable with the hub for rotating the hub and sleeve, a solenoid arranged above the hub and sleeve and having a core carrying a shutter adapted to be dropped between. the hub and sleeve for preventing the insertion of the key into engagement with the hub, an'electrical circuit including a source of electrical energy, a permutation switch, a swinging switch lever, a contact cooperating with said lever, and said solenoid, and a detent carried by said lever and cooperable with said shutter for holding said shutter in raised position and allowing the shutter to be re leased when said lever is swung properly.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto atfixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

OTHO D. BOWERS. Witnesses:

CHAS. Bownns, J. B. ll/Ionoernnn. 

